The fines represent double the minimum fine for each of the charges filed by the Autorité des marchés financiers ("AMF") in penal proceedings launched in 2011, namely, one charge of pursuing illegal activities as a securities dealer and one charge of aiding a company with a distribution without a prospectus. A guilty plea was entered on December 17, 2015.

The evidence showed that Jean-Claude Vachon acted as an intermediary between an investor and the promoter of a casino project. According to Judge Desgens, by acting in this manner, Jean-Claude Vachon aided with the distribution of a form of investment. However, at the time of the facts at issue, he was not registered with the AMF as a securities dealer and the company that conducted the distribution had not prepared a prospectus for approval by the AMF.

The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) is the regulatory and oversight body for Québec's financial sector.